Scivil has published several guides and toolkits: 

• Starting with citizen science
• Communication in citizen science
• Citizen science for local governements
• Data management in citizen science

You can access all our guides on this page. 

We report on our activities and accomplishments in an annual report. 

Annual report - 2025 (in English)

Annual report - 2023 (in English)

Annual report - 2022 (in Dutch)

Annual report - 2019 (in Dutch)

In October and November 2019 our expo 'Iedereen Onderzoeker' (Everyone Researcher) on citizen science took place in De Krook in Ghent. Library visitors could discover citizen science and 13 different citizen science projects.

Expo Panels - part 1

Expo Panels - part 2

Expo Panels - part 3

The Citizen Science Scan provides insights into the status, nature, and trends of the citizen science landscape in Belgium. To achieve this, we inventory and analyze active citizen science initiatives for a specific reference year. In order to track changes over different reference years, we conduct this scan periodically. This first edition of the Citizen Science Scan examines citizen science in Belgium for the reference year 2023. This report includes the methodology behind this inventory and the insights derived from the analyses.

Citation; Duerinckx, A., Hens, C., Strouven, S., Van Laer, J., Vandermaesen, I., Verstraelen, K., (2024). Citizen Science Scan 2023: Landschape and evolution of citizen science in Belgium. SCIVIL, Leuven, België. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.7129211

All information on the Citizen Science Scan 2023

Download the pdf.

Download the dataset. 

In 2020, 195 Flemish citizen scientists completed a questionnaire that gauged demographic characteristics, their motivations, and experiences with citizen science. The results show, among other things, that citizen scientists in Flanders are on average older and more highly educated than the general population. At the same time, the projects subsidised by the appeals of the Department of Economy, Science and Innovation of the Flemish government also managed to appeal to a new group of citizens, who are younger and who only recently participated for the first time in a citizen science project. Contributing to scientific research is the biggest, but not the only motivator for participation. Citizen scientists often look back with
satisfaction on their participation. These results provide guidelines for further policy to involve hard-to-reach target groups in future citizen science projects.

Citation: Duerinckx, A., Hens, C., Kerckhoffs, S., Van Laer, J., Verstraelen, K. (2021) The citizen in Flemish citizen science: Demography, motives, and experiences. Scivil, Leuven, Belgium.

Download the pdf

In a survey of 119 Flemish scientists, we asked about knowledge, opinions and attitudes about citizen science. We compared these results with an earlier study by the Young Academy (2015). 
This shows, among other things, that citizen science has become more widely known, that involvement in a citizen science project correlates positively with a positive appreciation of citizen science, but that scientists also have a great need for support when starting up their own citizen
science project. We formulate a number of recommendations on this.

Citation: Duerinckx, A., Hens, C, Kerckhoffs, S, Van Laer, J., Verstraelen, K. (2021) Citizen science and Flemish scientists: evolutions in knowledge, opinions and attitudes. Scivil, Leuven, Belgium.

Download the pdf

This vision text was created as part of a Scivil strategic journey. Before we could discuss the needs and future of citizen science in Flanders, we first needed a common vision on "citizen science". The text was drafted in an iterative process, in consultation with external stakeholders through workshops, focus groups and a vision day.

The text describes our shared vision of citizen science. It is not intended as a strict definition of citizen science. Rather, we see it as a shared framework with which we can have meaningful discussions about citizen science in Flanders.

Download the vision text

Annelies Duerinckx is a member of the ECSA Working Group on National Platforms. As part of this working group, a publication was written on the governance of citizen science networks and platforms.

Dörler, D; Duerinckx, A; Gold, M; Klimczuk, A; Luis, C; Sforzi, A; Smaniotto, A; Spelt, A; Tiago, P; Tomasson, L; Trojan, J; Heigl,
F et al. (2025). Governance of Citizen Science Networks/Platforms: Shared Experiences. ECSA Working Group Citizen Science Networks, https://zenodo.org/uploads/18218916

Abstract

Since the early 2010s, national citizen science networks have emerged in several countries to connect projects, stimulate collaboration, and increase the visibility of citizen science. These networks often share similar goals: showcasing citizen science projects to the public, connecting actors to foster learning and innovation, and strengthening the position of citizen science in policy. At the same time, many networks face comparable challenges, such as sustainable funding, organisation and role distribution, and establishing clear criteria for which projects are included on their platforms. 

Within the Citizen Science Networks Working Group, representatives of both new and established networks exchange experiences on topics such as goals, structure, activities, funding, communication, and data collection. Their insights form the basis of this report, which offers a clear overview of the questions and challenges involved in developing citizen science networks across different countries.

Annelies Duerinckx was a member of the OECD GSF Expert Group on Citizen Science. This group contributed to the development of the report on embedding citizen science in research policy.

OECD (2025), “Embedding citizen science into research policy”, OECD Science, Technology and Industry Policy Papers, No. 175, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/a1cfb1a8-en.

Abstract

Citizen science, or the active involvement of citizens in producing scientific knowledge, is a research approach that can be applied across a wide range of scientific domains and is valuable for addressing diverse policy priorities. Technological and societal developments — such as the digital transition and the growing public interest in and awareness of science — are driving the expansion of citizen science.

This report is primarily intended for research policymakers in ministries and funding agencies. It supports them in recognising the potential of citizen science and in planning, implementing, and evaluating effective policy measures. The report provides a set of general recommendations linked to a policy framework and possible policy options, complemented by analyses of illustrative national and international initiatives.

Omgevingsgeluid meten in Vlaanderen: In kaart brengen van het omgevingsgeluid in Vlaanderen en de appreciatie van de geluidsomgeving d.m.v. een Proof of Concept meetnet van sensoren

In het PIO‑project Omgevingsgeluid meten in Vlaanderen testten Universiteit Gent, Scivil en het Departement Omgeving een nieuw type meetnet van slimme geluidssensoren. Het project piloteerde een innovatieve aanpak om op grote schaal omgevingsgeluid te meten alsook de hinder die burgers daarbij ervaren. Meer info over het project op de projectpagina. 

Jef van Laer was a member of the ECSA Working Group on Health Research. As part of this working group, a survey was conducted on the characteristics of citizen science within the health domain. The results of this survey were summarised in this publication.

Remmers, G., Tzovaras, B.G., Albert, A., Van Laer, J., Wildevuur, S., De Groot, M., den Broeder, L., Bonhoure, I., Magalhães, J., Assens, S.M., Torrents, E.G., Imre, B. and Covernton, E. (2024) ‘Citizen Science for Health: An International Survey on Its Characteristics and Enabling Factors’, Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, 9(1), p. 23.

Abstract

Although citizen and patient involvement in health research has a long tradition, citizen science within the health domain has only recently begun to receive greater attention and recognition. However, there is currently no clear overview of the specific characteristics and challenges of citizen‑science projects in health. Such an overview could help clarify the needs of different stakeholders and stimulate the participation of citizens and patients in health research, innovation, policy, and practice.

This article discusses a survey conducted by the ECSA Working Group Citizen Science for Health, which explored the characteristics, opportunities, and challenges of citizen science in the health domain. The survey (available in six languages, January–August 2022) collected 254 responses, mainly from Europe, with researchers forming the largest respondent group.

Respondents shared their views on the specific characteristics of citizen science in health and biomedical research. The themes identified as particularly important — and challenging — included ethics, the complexity of the health domain, and overlapping roles in which researchers may also be research participants. The two main development needs highlighted were a balanced return on investment and ethics. The publication discusses these and other conditions with reference to current literature.

Within the ECSA Working Group on National Platforms, criteria were developed for citizen‑science projects to be included on national platforms. During the ECSA 2024 conference in Vienna, these criteria were examined and discussed together with participants in a workshop. The results are described in this publication.

Kragh G, Gijsel L, Luís C, Sforzi A, Duerinckx A, Heigl F, Tiago P, Goldin J, Cavalier D, Dörler D (2024) Criteria for citizen science – a source of community empowerment or a barrier? ARPHA Proceedings 6: 7-11. https://doi.org/10.3897/ap.e126765

Citizen‑science projects are highly diverse, which makes clear criteria for inclusion on online platforms important. During an ECSA2024 workshop, participants discussed these criteria and stressed the need for flexibility: rules that are too strict may exclude projects, particularly in the social sciences and humanities. Participants also noted the Eurocentric perspective of the criteria and their limited global applicability. Although the criteria are not yet widely known or used, there is growing recognition of their potential value for transparency and quality assurance. At the same time, concerns remain about implementation and the risk of excluding certain projects.

As part of the COST Action Alien‑CSI, a publication was developed on citizen science for invasive species. Annelies from Scivil contributed to this publication.

Alien CSI (2023). Using citizen science with alien species: a practical guide for project initiators. Available under Creative Commons Zero Universal licence at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7521429

Abstract

This guide provides key considerations for starting or running a citizen‑science project on alien or invasive alien species. It offers important recommendations on how to engage with your target audience, plan and design your project, manage data, carry out analyses, and evaluate project outcomes.

The guide is intended to support anyone who wants to set up a citizen‑science project on alien species. Target audiences include NGO staff, researchers, policymakers, volunteer groups, government agency employees, project managers, invasive‑species managers, teachers, and the general public.

Since many guides on citizen science already exist, this guide summarises the most relevant topics, highlights those that are particularly important in the context of (invasive) alien species, and refers to additional sources of information. The guide has been translated into 23 languages.

Amandine Raucq (UC Louvain) wrote her master’s thesis on citizen science in French‑speaking Belgium within the field of environmental and natural sciences. Read the interview met Amandine with Amandine and consult her thesis.

Abstract

This study provides the first up‑to‑date overview of citizen science in the environmental and natural sciences in French‑speaking Belgium. Based on a systematic review and a survey, 86 projects were identified, mostly focused on biodiversity, with species observations as the most common form of citizen contribution. Of the 39 projects that responded, most are government‑led, regionally funded, and involve between 21 and 500 participants. The main challenges reported include participant recruitment and data quality. Contributory projects dominate, while collaborative and co‑created approaches are less common. There is also no shared understanding of terms such as “science citoyenne.” This study offers a first baseline and a starting point for further research on citizen science in French‑speaking Belgium.

Michiel Lammens investigated the application of citizen science in healthcare for his master thesis.

Read more in the interview with Michiel or in the paper on Wetenschapswinkel.be. 

Studenten psychologie en pedagogissche wetenschappen Axel Monserez, Emma Raveschot, Lotte Paesbrugghe, Lotte Vandekerckhove en Pauline Wyseur onderzochten dankzij de WetenschapsWinkel de invloed van citizen science op de attitude tegenover wetenschap bij een groep leerlingen van het vijfde middelbaar.

Lees de paper via de WetenschapsWinkel.

Studenten Onderwijskunde Zoë Cuvelier, Karo Decoster, Pauline Destoop, Anne-Sophie Ryon en Hanne Vandeputte aan campus Kulak Kortrijk onderzochten in kader van een geïntegreerde opdracht welke motivatoren en drempels leraren ervaren om met citizen science aan de slag te gaan in de klas.  

Lees er meer over in de paper of in het interview.

The amai! team published a paper in 2024 about its methodology in the Special Issue on Artificial Intelligence of the journal Citizen Science: Theory and Practice. This paper provides an overview of the amai! methodology, the lessons learned, and a look toward the future.

Duerinckx, A, Veeckman, C, Verstraelen, K, Singh, N, Van Laer, J, Vaes, M, Vandooren, C and Duysburgh, P. 2024. Co-creating Artificial Intelligence: Designing and Enhancing Democratic AI Solutions Through Citizen Science. Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, 9(1): 43, pp. 1–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/cstp.732 

Abstract: 

Although artificial intelligence (AI) is omnipresent in our everyday lives, the level of awareness and knowledge among the general population remains mixed. The lack of understanding is particularly prevalent among older adults, and people with a low education and income. To bridge this knowledge gap and to empower individuals to become informed AI users, further outreach and awareness raising is necessary. This article presents a case study in Flanders (Belgium), called the amai! program (Flemish slang for “oh my!”). The program invites participants to voice their ideas or societal problems they wish to solve through AI and to be involved in the development of citizen-driven research projects. Using a citizen science (CS) approach, ideas are collected through a centralized platform and eventually realized through an open project call with partners from industry, civil society, and research institutions. As a result, 988 ideas have been submitted through the program’s platform and 14 are being realized in the domains of mobility, climate, health, and work. Here, we outline a phase-based approach for setting up citizen-driven research projects, as well as lessons learned on how to sensitize and activate citizens. Guidelines are also provided on how to involve participants to become aware and learn about science and technology, especially those with no prior knowledge or interest. Overall, this case study demonstrates how AI innovation and governance can be democratized through citizen participation and can build capacities in a fun and accessible way.

Probeer als eerste een slimme AI-oplossing te bouwen zoals een slimme koelkast, een voedingscoach of een afvalsorteerhulp. Dat doe je door de juiste kaarten te verzamelen. En let op dat je systeem niet crasht!

Het spel zit eenvoudig in elkaar met simpele regels en is geschikt voor jong en oud, thuis of in de klas. De kaarten bevatten leuke afbeeldingen en spelers hoeven niet alle AI-termen te begrijpen om het spel te kunnen spelen. Wie wel graag meer te weten komt over AI, kan de beschrijvingen bij de afbeeldingen lezen. De AI-oplossingen die je kan bouwen zijn bovendien gebaseerd op ideeën van burgers die verzameld werden op de amai!-website.

Het kaartspel werd ontwikkeld i.s.m. spelontwikkelaar Pilipili Games en grafisch bureau Buro Knal en kan gespeeld worden met twee tot vijf spelers vanaf acht jaar.

Ook benieuwd om amai! te spelen? Bestel het spel op de webshop van BrightBib of VUB!

Je kan het spel ook gratis downloaden en zelf afdrukken.

Meer over het spel op de website van amai! 

With this toolkit, we want to support you in developing and implementing your own version of the amai! project.

On the one hand, amai! wants to give citizens a better understanding of the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI). On the other hand, we want to actively involve them in AI innovation. In each section, we explain how we proceeded and share the roadmaps and materials that were used in the process. 

The focus of Amai! is on AI. We are convinced that the approach can also be inspiring for other projects and challenging topics, where citizens need to be informed and involved. Thus, we hope that this approach can support as a blueprint for other initiatives. Within each section of this toolkit, you will therefore also find the roadmaps and materials we developed. You are free to use these and adapt them to your project and needs. The materials we develop are available under Creative Commons Licence CC BY 4.0 DEED.

To the toolkit

Het aanbod aan amai!-activiteiten was heel divers, gaande van lezingen, datawalks, ideeënstanden, enz. De activiteiten beoogden te informeren en inspireren, alsook participatie en cocreatie met het brede publiek te ondersteunen.

Na deelname aan een activiteit van amai! vroegen we deelnemers om een vragenlijst in te vullen. Dit document geeft een overzicht en inzicht in de uitkomst van deze bevraging.

Lees het verslag als pdf.

Dit rapport beschrijft in detail de aanpak van begeleidingsethiek die toegepast werd binnen het amai!- project. De tweede editie van amai! wilde immers niet enkel ideeën van burgers voor AI verzamelen, maar eveneens randvoorwaarden en bezorgdheden van burgers voor AI capteren.

Met dat doeleinde werd de aanpak van begeleidingsethiek vertaald naar een methode van dialoog met burgers over ethische dilemma’s over artificiële intelligentie (AI). Deze methodiek werd opgezet in 2022 aan de hand van workshops “AI en randvoorwaarden” en lezingen. Deze activiteiten richtten zich naar het brede publiek, en voornamelijk naar het profiel van de ’maatschappelijke toepassers’.

Lees het rapport als pdf.

In de zomer van 2021 lanceerden Kenniscentrum Data en Maatschappij en Scivil, het Vlaamse kenniscentrum voor citizen science, een oproep voor subsidieaanvragen. Projectvoorstellen moesten via artificiële intelligente (AI) een oplossing uitwerken voor één van 17 concepten. Deze concepten kwamen tot stand in het voortraject van amai! en focussen op maatschappelijke uitdagingen ingezondheid, klimaat en milieu, mobiliteit, en werk.

In dit rapport kom je enerzijds meer te weten over de ingediende projectvoorstellen bij de oproep van 2021, en anderzijds krijg je een beeld van hoe deze voorstellen werden beoordeeld door de expertenjury. 

Lees het rapport als pdf.

Van welke maatschappelijke vragen liggen burgers wakker en hoe kan AI daarbij helpen? Daar gingen we met amai! naar op zoek in 2021. In 2021 werden 352 vragen en ideeën ingediend via het amai-platform. In dit rapport lichten we toe hoe we de vragen en ideeën verzamelden, en hoe we op basis hiervan de amai!-projectoproep opstelden. Ook kan je er een volledig overzicht lezen van de vragen en ideeën van de burgers.

Lees het rapport als pdf.

Wat motiveert Vlamingen om mee na te denken over slimme AI-oplossingen? Dat wilde het team achter het project ‘amai!’ graag te weten komen. In amai! krijgen Vlamingen de kans om zelf voorstellen te doen voor AI-oplossingen rond thema’s als gezondheid, klimaat & milieu, mobiliteit en werk. Dat doen ze samen met AI-experten en experten op vlak van die thema’s. Om te weten hoe we burgers kunnen motiveren om mee na te denken over slimme oplossingen, deden ze een bevraging bij 1145 Vlamingen. De resultaten van die voorstudie vormden een belangrijke basis voor de manier waarop het project ‘amai!’ vorm kreeg. 

Lees het rapport als pdf.